Personal Injury

My legal practice in the area of personal injury generally involves representing those injured in car crashes and slip and fall accidents. I take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning that my clients do not pay anything out-of-pocket and my legal fees are a percentage of any settlement or verdict. If there is no recovery, I do not get paid.

Initially, my role in these types of cases is to make sure we know how the doctors’ bills will be paid, that the client has access to any medical specialist or other health care provided needed as soon as possible, and to explain how to best utilize the existing auto and health insurance. I also assist in making sure my client’s car is repaired or, if it is a total loss, that the check is sent without delay.

Close up smached cars on a road.

F.A.Q.

What if I do not have health insurance?

While working with your health insurance is usually the best way to pay for medical treatment, if you do not have health insurance my office works with a number of health care providers and lien management companies that will allow to be treated for your injuries and pay the doctors when your claim is resolved. Treating under a medical lien can also be helpful if you would like to see a health care provider that is not within your health insurance network.

During the initial phase of the claim process, the injured party only has to be diligent in treating for his or her injuries. Once the injured party is done treating, the medical bills and records are collected by my office. Once the amount of medical bills and other economic damages like lost wages and mileage are known, I have a discussion about the value of my client’s case taking into account non-economic damages like pain and suffering, permanent impairment and disfigurement. At this point, a demand letter is sent to the insurance company for the party that caused the accident. If a settlement is reached, usually my client signs a document releasing the at-fault party from any more liability and the insurance company sends a check to my office. Those funds are then distributed to my client and to resolve any outstanding legal fees and health care bills. If a settlement is not reached, then a lawsuit can be filed.

The vast majority of personal injury cases are settled without having to file a lawsuit. Even if a lawsuit is filed, less than five percent actually have to go to trial. It often depends on the facts of the case and my client. If a settlement can be reached that my client happy, the case will be resolved. If not, I use my experience and knowledge to present the case to a judge and jury in order for a verdict to be reached.

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